Kacey Musgraves’ ex husband Ruston Kelly pens tribute to the country songstress on her birthday

They announced ‘with heavy but hopeful hearts’ in July that, after two-and-a-half years of marriage, they were legally separating.

But Kacey Musgraves’ estranged husband Ruston Kelly had nothing but love and admiration for the 32-year-old Grammy winner, while wishing her a happy birthday via Instagram Story on Friday. 

‘Anyone who knows your heart, your kindness, your humor and compassion… are made better people by it,’ began Kelly, 32, who wrote the message overtop a black-and-white portrait of Kacey.

‘I got your back. Happy birthday @spacekacey,’ he concluded. 

In the photo, Kacey had on a beret, a patterned long sleeve shirt, and a pair of high waisted trousers as she posed in front of a stone cellar. 

Late last month, Musgraves posted a near identical tribute to Ruston, who happened to also ring in his 32nd birthday on July 31. 

‘Hope you know how lucky the world is to have you in it, @rustonkelly,’ wrote the Golden Hour singer. ‘Happy Birthday! I’m in your corner.’

Along with her thoughtful text, Kacey included a candid black-and-white photo of Ruston, who had his back turned to her camera as he gazed out a window. 

That same day, Kelly posted his own birthday self-portrait on Instagram that he captioned: ’32 YEARS ALIVE THANKFUL & LUCKY.’ 

Musgraves was quick to reply to his post with a heart and birthday cake emojis. 

Kacey and Ruston confirmed their divorce in a joint statement issued to People on July 3.  

‘We’ve made this painful decision together,’ the statement began. ‘With heavy but hopeful hearts we wanted to put our own thoughts into the air about what’s happening.’ 

‘These kinds of announcements are always met with scrutiny and speculation and we want to stop that before it even starts. We believe that we were put into each other’s lives for a divine reason and have both changed each other infinitely for the better.’

The statement described the pair as having a ‘soul connection that can never be erased’ and that their love for one another ‘goes far beyond the relationship [they] shared as husband and wife.’ 

‘We’ve made this painful decision together — a healthy decision that comes after a very long period of trying the best we can. It simply just didn’t work. Though we are parting ways in marriage, we will remain true friends for the rest of our lives. 

‘We hold no blame, anger, or contempt for each other and we ask for privacy and positive wishes for us both as we learn how to navigate through this,’ the statement concluded.

Kacey and Ruston first met in 2016 at the famous Bluebird Cafe located in Nashville, Tennessee. 

They became husband and wife in October of  2017, during a ceremony held in the iconic music city.